Study shows baby boomers more likely to share fake news

Researchers from Princeton University and New York University have found out that age is a key factor to determine whether someone would share ‘fake news’ online.

Surprisingly, the study found out that Facebook users over 65 years old — which are born from 1946 to 1964 – or the so-called baby boomers, shared nearly seven times as many fake news articles as the youngest age group (18-29 years old).

According to the study which was posted on in the peer-reviewed Science Advances Journal, the researchers noted that one of the most discussed phenomena is the occurrence and effects of spreading misinformation during the 2016 US Presidential elections.

In this light, commentators have asserted that this manifestations of fake news might have affected the results of the elections.

Moreover, the researchers highlighted two possible explanations for the findings. First is the lack of attention paid to the oldest generations when it comes to studying political behavior and second is the possibility of the general effect of an aging memory.